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King and Pawn Endgames – Master the Basics

King and pawn endgames are some of the most important positions in chess. A single tempo or square can decide the outcome. Knowing how to use opposition, rule of the square, and promote a pawn is essential for all levels of chess improvement.

1. Key Concepts

Opposition: The player who moves last often wins control of key squares.
Key Squares: If your king reaches these, promotion is usually guaranteed.
Rule of the Square: A quick way to know if your king can stop a passed pawn.
Shouldering: Use your king to push the opponent's king away from the action.

2. Common Winning Patterns

King in front of the pawn with opposition → promotes.
Pawn on the 5th or 6th rank with king support often wins.
Triangulation to gain opposition and zugzwang.

3. Drawing Techniques

Keep the opposition to prevent king entry.
Blockade the pawn before it advances past the 5th rank.
Use stalemate tricks or force a drawn king position.

4. Study Drills

Practice opposition exercises until it becomes second nature.
Study basic wins with king and pawn vs king on all files (including rook and bishop files).
Use puzzles or set up your own examples and test them over the board.

5. Recommended Examples